The Easiest Way to Clean & Maintain Your RV Water Heater

Over time, minerals in campground water can build up in RV water heater tanks, so we need to clean it as part of routine maintenance. I usually do this once a year, typically before the camping season starts, but it's flexible based on personal preference.
To descale my tanked water heater, I follow these steps: First, I cool and empty the tank, turning off power and letting it cool down. Then I set it to bypass mode and relieve any pressure. Depending on the type of water heater, I either remove the drain cover or anode rod to empty the tank completely and use a water heater flush wand to remove loose buildup.
Next, I connect a threaded adapter and a garden hose with a shut-off valve, and fill the tank with food-grade vinegar or a 50/50 vinegar-water solution. The amount of vinegar depends on the buildup in the tank. After filling, I let the solution sit in the tank for several hours or overnight, optionally turning on the water heater to speed up the process.
Finally, I drain the solution, flush the tank with fresh water, and check for any remaining buildup before reassembling the tank and refilling it. It's a simple but important maintenance task to keep my water heater functioning well.
This video is NOT sponsored. However, RV Bucket did send me the product free of charge
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[@melissaleisure8858]

Thanks. I enjoy how descriptive and how you breakdown all the steps. I’ve been camping since I was a child, but since being an adult my husband did most of the outside work. Now he’s gone and I’ve got to do it! I’m going to keep traveling and seeing this awesome country. Thanks for posting all your videos.

[@rvgearandfar]

You're welcome - I'm glad it was helpful for you - happy camping!

[@khurtubise1]

Fantastic video! Thank you for including Atwood! This was so helpful. Appreciate the tutorial.

[@rvgearandfar]

I'm glad you found value in it - thanks for taking the time to comment ◡̈

[@StressLessCamping]

You really do a great job with these instructional videos my friend.

[@rvgearandfar]

Well thank you! ◡̈

[@kknight8112]

Great presentation! Concise, precise, and nice. Thank you!

[@rvgearandfar]

Thank you, glad it was helpful!

[@martymalone4094]

Great informative and step-by-step instructions 👍. Safe travels.

[@rvgearandfar]

Thanks, you too!

[@charlesklaus6290]

Thanks for the tutorial! Very informative video!

[@rvgearandfar]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and commenting ◡̈

[@parneypots]

Nice vid

[@rvgearandfar]

Thanks for watching◡̈

[@airstreamer]

This is something we need to do. We've talked about it, just haven't done it yet! Great information for when we do. - Michelle

[@rvgearandfar]

I hear ya - I feel like I always make it out to be a much more involved process in my head than it actually is once I begin ◡̈

[@airstreamer]

@@rvgearandfar 😄

[@bobabooie6389]

👍🏻🇺🇲

[@rvgearandfar]

🙏

[@Stretchman80]

Newbie question here-by putting the tape on the anode rod, do you just leave the anode rod in all the time and not drain the water tank?

[@rvgearandfar]

During normal use the anode will be installed. Youll remove it when cleaning the tank, emptying the tank to winterize the plumbing system or to replace it (will typically be during one of those two other scenarios). The anode rod is a sacrificial piece that degrades instead of the tank itself and therefore prolongs the tank lifespan. Be on the lookout for a dedicated anode rod video coming soon

[@rvgearandfar]

Does that answer your question? If not, let’s keep talking!